Herbalife India Collaborates With IIT Madras To Launch Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab

* This initiative aims to bridge the demand-supply gap in plant-based nutraceuticals, phytoceuticals, and phytopharmaceuticals while aligning with Herbalife’s broader innovation and sustainability goals.

Herbalife, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras to establish the Herbalife-IITM Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab at the campus under Herbalife’s CSR initiative. The agreement signing ceremony took place at IIT Madras in the presence of Mr. Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, and Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean - Alumni & Corporate Relations, IIT Madras and other IITM representing members.

This partnership aligns with the Indian government's Bio-E3 policy, aimed at establishing India as a global hub for bio-manufacturing and advancing Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat. The lab will serve as a catalyst for innovation, capacity building, and industry collaboration in the wellness sector while also fostering entrepreneurship. 

The Centre of Excellence – Herbalife Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab, is focused on pioneering sustainable solutions for high-quality herbal raw materials and phytochemicals. The facility will be a center to produce sustainable herbal raw materials using plant cell fermentation technology, ensuring high-quality phytochemicals and drive innovation in nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and Ayush formulations, contributing directly to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG3 - Good Health & Well-Being). 

The collaborative effort will leverage plant cell technology to enable vitro cultivation of medicinal plants under controlled conditions, ensuring year-round availability, purity, and bioactive consistency. In addition to this, Advanced bioreactor-based scaling will facilitate large-volume production in minimal space, overcoming land constraints and long harvesting cycles associated with traditional farming and the green extraction technologies will drive sustainability in bioactive compound production.

The Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab predominantly has 5 key focus areas, Innovative Research to handle R&D, translational research, and blue-sky projects; Sustainable Biomanufacturing to handle the scalable plant cell fermentation for herbal extracts; Technology-Driven Solutions in the silico screening for phytochemical discovery and repurposing; Conservation Efforts in the production of somatic embryos and plant materials for field cultivation of endangered medicinal species; and Ecosystem Engagement to support hackathons as well as accelerator programs to drive innovation.

Mr. Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said, “Herbalife is committed to drive innovation that contributes to sustainability. Our partnership with IIT Madras, yet again this year is an effort towards transforming the nutraceutical and wellness sectors. Herbalife Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab at IIT Madras will be a catalyst for innovation, capacity building, and enhance industry collaboration in the wellness sector. Aligned with India’s Bio-E3 Policy (2024) and the National Biotechnology Development 

Strategy (2022-25), this initiative will position India as a leader in biomanufacturing while contributing to the Prime Minister’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.” 

Prof. Smitha Srivastava, Department of Biotechnology, Bhupat and Jyoti Mehta School of Biosciences, IIT Madras., said, “The Herbalife-IITM Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab represents a significant milestone in sustainable innovation. This state-of-the-art facility will drive pioneering research, foster academic training, and enable impactful technology development for industry applications. I sincerely thank Herbalife for their generous support and unwavering belief in this initiative. Together, we are poised to transform the landscape of plant cell fermentation, creating meaningful outcomes for science, industry, and society”.

Prof. Ashwin Mahalingam, Dean - Alumni & Corporate Relations, IIT Madras, said, “It is heartening to see the IITM-Herbalife partnership growing from one milestone to another. Through their support for the establishment of the Plant Cell Fermentation Technology Lab, Herbalife has emerged as a leader in the field of sustainable solutions for high-quality herbal raw materials and phytochemicals. This partnership has indeed come at the right time, not only for IITM and Herbalife but also for our nation’s goals towards a brighter, sustainable future”.

About Herbalife International India Private Ltd.

Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people's lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.

For more information, visit https://www.herbalife.com/en-in

NPST Wins Multiple Awards At The Bharat Fintech Summit For Its Disruptive RegTech And PayTech Solutions

* NPST’s Innovations In RegTech And Payment Solutions Earn Triple Recognition, Reinforcing Its Leadership In India's Fintech Ecosystem

Network People Services Technologies Ltd. (NPST), a leading provider of digital banking and payment processing solutions, has secured three prestigious accolades at the Bharat Fintech Summit's Fintech & Digital Excellence Awards. This recognition highlights NPST’s commitment to innovation and its leadership in India's rapidly evolving digital payments landscape.

NPST won the Best RegTech Award for its Risk Intelligence Decisioning Platform (RIDP). Powered by artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning algorithms, RIDP enables merchant-acquiring institutions—including banks, payment aggregators, and payment gateways—to implement counter-fraud strategies, enhance risk governance, and ensure compliance.

The company was also honoured as the Runner-Up in the Best Payment FinTech category and received a Special Jury Award for Emerging FinTech Company of the Year for its significant impact on the payments industry. NPST’s Payments-Platform-as-a-Service (PPaaS) solution, EvoK.  The platform streamlines online transaction processing while offering value-added services such as risk and fraud management, reconciliation, dispute resolution, and advanced analytics.

Speaking on this achievement, Deepak Chand Thakur, CEO & Co-founder of NPST, said, “Winning three prestigious awards at the Bharat Fintech Summit reaffirms our dedication to advancing payments technology across the financial ecosystem. This recognition strengthens our resolve to push boundaries, drive innovation, and scale financial inclusion.”

The Bharat Fintech Summit’s Fintech & Digital Excellence Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to fintech, recognizing companies that drive digital transformation through innovation, customer-centric solutions, and technological advancements.

As NPST continues to expand its footprint in the fintech space, it currently processes 6% of India’s digital payments and serves over 100 clients across 700 locations.

About NPST

Founded in 2013, NPST is a PayTech firm listed on the NSE Small and Medium Exchange. A leader in digital banking and payment processing solutions, NPST is dedicated to advancing the digital payments ecosystem by delivering cutting-edge technology solutions to banks, fintechs, and other industry players. The company’s offerings include online and offline transaction processing, banking super apps, fraud prevention, dispute management, and compliance technology.

NPST’s mission is to drive the growth of businesses, individuals, communities, and economies. With over 100 clients and processing more than 60 million transactions daily, NPST continues to make a significant impact on the digital payments ecosystem. To learn more about NPST and its award-winning solutions, visit www.npstx.com

Aero India 2025 Kick Off In Bangalore; Karanataa Seeks Major Aerospace Jump

Aero India 2025, Asia's largest airshow, began in Bengaluru on February 10. Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar called for more aerospace investment to prevent brain drain and boost local manufacturing and research.

The 15th edition of Aero India, Asia’s largest aerospace and defence exhibition, was inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka, on Monday.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Chief of Defence Staff, and tri-service chiefs were among the dignitaries present at the inaugural ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar called for greater investment in Bengaluru’s aerospace industry to prevent brain drain and promote local talent.

“Bengaluru has some of the finest talent in the aerospace industry. It is the ideal location for setting up aircraft and helicopter manufacturing facilities. By encouraging manufacturers, we can prevent brain drain and retain our country’s talent within India,” said Shivakumar.

He urged the Defence Minister to establish more aerospace industries in Karnataka and incentivise manufacturers to focus on Bengaluru. “Karnataka is at the forefront of India’s technological and industrial progress. We have world-class research institutions and cutting-edge aerospace companies supported by a highly skilled workforce,” he added.

Shivakumar emphasised Karnataka’s role in India’s aerospace sector, pointing out that the state accounts for 67 per cent of the country’s aircraft and helicopter production for defence services and 65 per cent of India’s aerospace-related exports.

“Karnataka became the first state to announce an aerospace policy in 2013. We have set aside 1,000 acres near Devanahalli to establish an Aerospace Park for aerospace companies,” he noted.

He further stated that Bengaluru is the ideal location for showcasing global brands and cutting-edge technologies, making it a prime destination for business agreements and industrial innovations.

Bengaluru: India’s Aerospace Capital

Shivakumar asserted that Bengaluru contributes over 60 per cent of India's aerospace production and defence research, housing key organisations such as HAL, ISRO, and Boeing India. With over 150,000 employees in the aerospace sector, the city ranks third globally for foreign investment in aerospace.

“The Karnataka government is developing aerospace and defence hubs beyond Bengaluru, in regions like Belagavi, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Chamarajanagar. Bengaluru is also emerging as a leader in drone technology and unmanned aerial systems, revolutionising both commercial and defence sectors,” he added.

Highlighting the city’s academic excellence, he noted, “With 21 engineering colleges, Bengaluru ranks first compared to any city worldwide. Its ecosystem attracts top talent from across India and the world. Bengaluru is a place where talent is recognised, nurtured, and dreams come true.”

India’s Aerospace Growth and Global Collaborations

Shivakumar underscored India’s aerospace advancements, particularly in defence partnerships with countries like the United States, France, and Russia. However, he expressed concern over the continued import of aircraft and helicopters.

“India is progressing in aircraft services and maintenance. However, aircraft and helicopter manufacturing is still lagging. Many of the planes and helicopters used in India are still being imported from other nations,” he said.

He stressed the importance of Aero India in strengthening India’s position in the global market, providing a platform for international collaborations and knowledge-sharing.

“The Bengaluru Air Show is not just an event - it is a symbol of India’s strength, progress, and leadership in aerospace. I urge defence investors, industry leaders, and business executives to choose Karnataka as their preferred destination,” he said.

“As this event continues to grow, it showcases India’s technological prowess. Since its inception in 1996, Aero India has reached remarkable heights. May the 2025 Air Show be a successful and inspiring experience for all,” Shivakumar said.

When Words Fall Short, Let Shoppers Stop Help You Say It With The Perfect Gift!

* With a specially curated gifting collection in association with GUESS

Shoppers Stop, India’s leading premium fashion, lifestyle and gifting destination introduces its "Gifts of Love" Valentine's Day campaign in collaboration with GUESS as their gifting partner. This campaign cements Shoppers Stop’s position as the ultimate gifting destination for premium Valentine's Day gifts, available across its 100+ stores and online platforms.

With an extensive selection of over 500+ premium brands and 120,000+ styles, the "Gifts of Love" campaign simplifies the search for the perfect gift for everyone – partners, best friends, family members, and their loved ones.

"Sometimes, words don’t seem enough to express love, and that’s where the perfect gift makes all the difference. This Valentine’s Day, we are elevating the gifting experience with our thoughtfully curated selection of premium gifting options," says Kavindra Mishra, Customer Care Associate, Managing Director, and CEO of Shoppers Stop. "We are thrilled to partner with GUESS, a brand known for its iconic style and elegance. Whether it is for a partner, a close friend, or family, our ‘Gifts of Love’ campaign ensures customers can find the perfect way to express their love with thoughtfulness and meaning."

The campaign features several exciting initiatives:

Valentine's Contest: Customers can share memorable pictures on Instagram with the one they love using #GiftsOfLove and tagging @shoppers_stop on social media for a chance to win exclusive prizes from GUESS.

Curated Online Experience: A dedicated "Gifts of Love" section on the Shoppers Stop website and app showcases curated gift ideas, including special picks from GUESS.

Share and Win: Customers can share their most heartwarming love stories on the Gifts of Love board in select stores, and the most touching ones will be rewarded with exclusive GUESS merchandise from Shoppers Stop, making this Valentine’s even more special.

Get ready to celebrate love in style with Shoppers Stop X GUESS this Valentine’s Day!

Samsung TV Plus India Launches Five Exclusive FAST Channels From Warner Bros. Television

Samsung TV Plus, Samsung’s free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) service, has collaborated with Warner Bros. to launch five new FAST channels exclusively on Samsung TV Plus India. These WBTV channels deliver premium storytelling to streaming audiences, meeting the demand for high quality, free entertainment. With a strong focus on Hindi programming, these new FAST channels are designed to engage both regional and urban audiences.

Samsung TV Plus is a free streaming service that comes pre-installed on Samsung Smart TVs, offering a wide range of channels, including news, sports, entertainment, and more.

Kunal Mehta, Head Partnerships and Business Development, Samsung TV Plus India, said “We are thrilled to welcome Warner Bros. Television to Samsung TV Plus. As a

leader in FAST, we are committed to bringing top-tier content to our audiences. This partnership expands entertainment choices while delivering even more value and access to our viewers—and opportunities for advertisers.”

Offering a diverse range of premium programming, the channels mentioned below are curated to captivate viewers on Samsung Smart TVs and mobile devices:

House of Crime: A gripping destination for crime enthusiasts, offering a mix of intense dramas and intriguing investigative series in Hindi.

Foodie Hub: A haven for culinary adventurers, featuring popular food shows, recipes, and gastronomic journeys, presented in Hindi.

Wild Flix: A heart-warming gateway to the wonders of the animal kingdom, showcasing captivating insights into zoo life, and awe-inspiring animal rescue stories in Hindi.

Wheel World: A high-octane destination for automobile enthusiasts, featuring exhilarating car and bike shows, and restoration stories from the best garages, presented in English.

XXtreme Jobs: An adrenaline-pumping exploration of the world’s most daring professions, unearthing extraordinary workplaces and fearless individuals behind them, presented in Hindi.

Ruchir Jain, Head of Distribution, Warner Bros. Discovery, South Asia, said: “At Warner Bros. Discovery, we are passionate about curating diverse and high-quality entertainment for our audiences. With connected TVs on the rise, we are excited to expand our presence on Samsung TV Plus through these new channels. Our partnership with Samsung TV Plus will enable us to bring our viewers the very best of WBTV.”

Samsung Newsroom Link

Samsung TV Plus India Launches Five Exclusive FAST Channels from Warner Bros. Television – Samsung Newsroom India

About Samsung TV Plus

Samsung TV Plus is the go-to source for free, premium entertainment that allows content owners and advertisers to engage consumers at scale. As a leader in free ad-supported TV (FAST) and video-on-demand (AVOD), Samsung TV Plus is the #1 free ad supported app on Samsung Smart TVs, with over 3,000 ad-supported linear channels available globally in 30 countries. Samsung TV Plus is accessible on 2016-2024 Samsung Smart TVs, Galaxy devices, Smart Monitors, and refrigerators in selected regions. To learn more, visit samsungtvplus.com

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, home appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions, and delivering a seamless connected experience through its SmartThings ecosystem and open collaboration with partners. For latest news on Samsung India, please visit Samsung India Newsroom at http://news.samsung.com/in. For Hindi, log on to Samsung Newsroom Bharat at https://news.samsung.com/bharat. You can also follow us on Twitter @SamsungNewsIN.

About Warner Bros. Discovery

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ: WBD) is a leading global media and entertainment company that creates and distributes the world’s most differentiated and complete portfolio of content and brands across television, film and streaming. Available in more than 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Warner Bros. Discovery inspires, informs and entertains audiences worldwide through its iconic brands and products including: Discovery Channel, discovery+, CNN, DC, Eurosport, HBO, HBO Max, HGTV, Food Network, OWN, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Magnolia Network, TNT, TBS, truTV, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Warner Bros. Pictures, Warner Bros. Television, Warner Bros. Games, New Line Cinema, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Turner Classic Movies, Discovery en Español, Hogar de HGTV and others. For more information, visit www.wbd.com. Instagram: discovery+ | Discovery Channel India

Toyota Kirloskar Motor Empowers Future Road Safety Leaders Through TSEP In Mumbai

Reinforcing its unwavering commitment to road safety, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) successfully concluded its Annual Toyota Safety Education Programme (TSEP) event in Mumbai. Held at the prestigious Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Sophia College campus, the event marked the culmination of TSEP's annual activities in 2025 across Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai. Themed "Road Safety – My Right, My Responsibility," the program aims to foster responsible road usage among future generations by engaging school children as proactive safety ambassadors.

The event was graced by Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs at Toyota Kirloskar Motor, along with senior leadership from TKM, underscoring the collective resolve to nurture a culture of road safety in India.

India records the highest number of annual road crash fatalities globally. Each year, the country witnesses over 1,50,000 fatalities due to road accidents, with road traffic injuries being the leading cause of death for people aged 5-29 years.  Recognizing this crisis, launched in 2007, TSEP has positively impacted more than 800,000 students nationwide, embodying TKM's comprehensive "Real World Safety" philosophy—which integrates safe vehicle manufacturing, user education, and infrastructure improvements to address India’s road safety challenges. This year, TSEP has reached over 70,000 students and 600 teachers across 140 schools in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, solidifying TKM’s dedication to achieving zero road fatalities.

At the heart of TSEP lies the impactful ABC Approach: Awareness of safety rules, fostering Behavioural Change, and driving proactive Campaigns. This holistic framework empowers children to become change agents, spreading essential safety practices within their families and communities. Beyond student engagement, TSEP also equips educators with structured training, ensuring that road safety becomes a sustainable part of school curricula.

A highlight of the Mumbai event was the enthusiastic participation of students through creative activities like poster-making, skits, songs, Mad Ads, and fact-based video presentations. These interactive formats not only made learning enjoyable but also encouraged innovative thinking around road safety solutions.

Sharing his thoughts, Mr. Sudeep Dalvi, Chief Communication Officer, Senior Vice President & Head State Affairs - Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “At TKM, we believe that road safety is not just a responsibility but a shared mission that requires consistent action and education. Through TSEP, we are fostering a generation that not only understands road safety norms but actively champions them within their communities. Our goal is to nurture young minds into becoming ambassadors of safety, leading India towards a future with zero road fatalities. This commitment aligns with our broader vision of holistic community development, where safety, education, and empowerment go hand in hand.”

Evaluations of the program's impact reveal significant growth in road safety awareness, highlighting TSEP’s effectiveness in instilling vital safety knowledge and encouraging behavioural shifts. To sustain this momentum, participating schools have established dedicated Road Safety Clubs, fostering peer-to-peer learning and sustained engagement in road safety initiatives. TKM deeply appreciates the unwavering support of partner schools, whose collaboration has been instrumental in amplifying TSEP's impact. The event also featured an award ceremony to honour the outstanding efforts of students, teachers, and schools whose creativity and commitment have significantly advanced the program’s mission.

Since 2001, TKM has actively contributed to community development through initiatives in Education, Environment, Road Safety, Skill Development, Health, Hygiene, and Disaster Management. These sustained efforts have positively impacted over 2.3 million lives, underscoring TKM’s steadfast commitment to building safer, healthier, and more empowered communities.

Ageas Federal Life Insurance Bets On India’s Economic Growth Launches “Momentum Growth Fund”

Ageas Federal Life Insurance, a leading private life insurer in India, has launched its latest investment offering—the “Momentum Growth Fund”. Opening February 10th – February 21st 2025, this new offering presents an attractive opportunity for investors aiming to benefit from India's robust long-term economic growth within the ULIP segment. It is strategically aligned with the Nifty 500 Momentum 50 Index, which has delivered remarkable returns of 25.97%* CAGR over the past five years, and 22.90% CAGR since its inception.

With a focus on delivering strong returns over the medium to long term, the fund diversifies investments across a wide range of companies and sectors within the index, helping to mitigate risk while promoting steady, sustainable growth. This disciplined, strategic approach offers customers a rewarding and resilient investment strategy that is well-aligned with India’s thriving economy.

Mr. Jude Gomes, MD & CEO of Ageas Federal Life Insurance, said, “With a GDP of 6.4% in FY 25, India still remains the fastest growing economy. At Ageas Federal Life Insurance, we support the government’s vision for India’s growth story. The Momentum Growth Fund reflects our commitment while empowering customers with solutions that meet their long-term financial aspirations. With this launch, we aim to bridge individual wealth creation and national progress, contributing to India’s extraordinary growth story and fostering a future of shared prosperity."

The fund empowers investors to navigate the ever-changing stock market trends effectively, while removing any potential fund manager bias. Additionally, it offers the advantage of comprehensive life coverage through Ageas Federal’s innovative and customer-centric insurance plans. The Momentum Growth Fund will be available alongside Ageas Federal Life Insurance’s flagship offerings.